Seeking an Acceptable Offering
The Church offers us a two-day grace period today. After entering Lent on Wednesday, implementing our Lenten promises, today’s first reading invites us to ask ourselves this Friday, “Are you sure about that?” Whatever discernment practice we have or have not had regarding what we hope to offer God this Lent, today, we’re given the criteria of what God desires – just in case we were in doubt.
“This is the fasting I wish…” love one another. The paraphrasing is mine. The prophet cried out criticisms of fasting being practiced. The “wickedness” was not the fasting, but its limited nature. Our Church teaches fasting is good; almsgiving is good; prayer is good, always and especially during Lent. And also may we be vigilant too so that our gifts to God not end so quickly in disrespect and abuse of a neighbor. How could that type of “fasting” be pleasing to God, who is Mercy and Love? Word to us Lenten-promisers: God desires life and love for us. As we enter Lent, in these early days, let us reflect on how we can better learn to dignify the lives of others by lightening the load of our brothers and sisters that are suffering; AND by this, be healed also! God’s words, not mine.
Always Loving and Gracious God, although you don’t require “perfect” offerings from imperfect us. Help us also consider how we affect others when we attempt to live these Lenten promises. May our offerings be pleasing to You. May they honor the love you have manifested in the world through all your beautiful creations.
Are there any revisions you’re invited to make to your Lenten promises to God? In what ways would your Lenten offerings to God help heal our world and ourselves?
Vivian Valencia